SWEET!!!!
My son who is only a few months shy of turning 17 is participating in a program offered through his high school this summer. The program is aimed toward increasing strength, speed, agility, etc. for athletes. So yesterday at dinner the topic of weight training and nutrition came up. It went like this:
Son: Since I’m doing this program, Mom, you should buy me some strawberry flavored protein powder.
Me: I can do that. But, you know, using protein powder isn’t all you should do. You really should think about making better choices in what you eat (he was eating pizza, major staple in his diet, at the time).
Son: This (referring to pizza) has everything…a little bit of protein, carbs, etc.
Me: True, but it’s so processed and probably not the best choice. You really should try eating more like your dad and me…you know, chicken, fish, steak along with good carbs like rice and pasta, blah, blah, blah…I mean, I know a little about what I’m talking about, son, admit it…your mom is ripped, giggling a little.
Son: Laughing slightly…I don’t have to admit it…every time the subject of parents comes up, my friends say “Man, Watson, your parents are ripped.”
Me: Completely laughing now…okay, I’ll get you some strawberry protein powder.
Now, I know that this might seem like an insignificant conversation, but those of you with teenagers will understand me when I say I appreciate ANY conversation with my son. AND…when the conversation is about something positive that he has seen me and his dad doing that he wants to incorporate into his life, that’s even better. Goes to show that children, regardless of age, notice their parents’ behavior and that is true whether the behavior is positive or negative.
Needless to say, I felt really good after dinner last night about the conversation. The comment about his friends noting that his parents were ripped was just icing on the cake. SWEET!!
May 31, 2007 at 2:10 pm
That does make you feel good to hear those kind of things! My daughters friends and my nieces and nephews are always talking about how much muscles your Dad has or your uncle. It’s a trip because I don’t realize sometimes how people see me.
Everything that a parent does, good or bad, the kids are watching and take note. We do have to set the example for our children of today so that they can set the example for the kids of tomorrow!
That’s a great story! That’s also good that your husband is equally supportive as a parent, and also equally dedicated as you are to his fitness and health .. makes it that much easier!
Buy the boy some protein!!! LOL!
May 31, 2007 at 9:39 pm
Agreed. I’m helping to raise my orphaned god-son. He’s turning 16 next month. Any conversation w/ him that ends on a positive note w/out any teenage attitude is good. When I get my surfing body back, it’s inspire him to watch his nutrition and discipline.
June 1, 2007 at 6:23 am
Thank you for sharing that with us! My daughter is still little but part of the reason I want to improve my health is to set a good example for her. I was an athlete from the time I was six right through college and I want to be able to run and play and train with her (if she’ll let me LOL) when she gets older. That was an awesome blog!